LETTER TO THE EDITOR: How about a little respect, troops?

Thursday

Dec 7, 2017 at 4:00 AM

Are veterans truly respected for their service to the country?

Now, the civilian populace definitely does. Back in the day (Vietnam and before), not very much. Good to see, but a recent recreational event I attended made me and my fellow retirees wonder if the same respect exists between our active duty personnel and retired veterans. A simple thing like a golf tournament can shed some insight into the camaraderie that does or does not exist in today’s military.

Two units organized the tournament, yet only 14 teams participated. Not what we would have expected. A Halloween theme was encouraged, therefore we retirees decorated one of our carts accordingly and the other cart displayed a sign depicting our support for our active duty brothers and sisters. Not many participated in the theme of the day. Post tournament observations: At least one senior Air Force member was present yet did or said nothing to thank folks for participating, acknowledge the organizers for their efforts or show any effort to bring the folks together as a team.

After a 30-year career in the Air Force, including two tours in Vietnam, I am saddened.